(Cushing, Okla.) All agenda items met with the approval of the Cushing Board of Commissioners at their regular monthly meeting held earlier this week at City Hall. A quorum was met with four of the five commissioners in attendance. Commissioner Evert Rossiter could not be at the meeting.
Members of American Legion Post 108 led the Pledge of Allegiance, with comments from Post Commander Jim Hunter during the time allotted for comments from the audience.
After introducing members of the Legion’s Honor Guard, Hunter went on to thank the city. “We appreciate the City and the way you help us,” he told the Board. “You’ve always helped us with anything we’ve asked – as long as it was legal,” Hunter added with a laugh.
Hunter went on to extend an invitation to attend a special going away reception for Carey Seigle, August 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Post. Seigle, a member of Post 108 and former city commissioner, will be moving to Florida in August.
Chairman of the Board Joe Manning thanked Hunter and the Legion saying, “We appreciate the Post – each of you,” he said. “You are certainly play an integral part in the City.” Several commissioners echoed Manning’s sentiment.
American Legion Post 108 keep flags flying in downtown Cushing as well as at City Hall, Cushing Senior Citizen Center, Chamber of Commerce building, the Cushing Public School Administration building and several area cemeteries.
Highlights of the meeting include:
The approval of the purchase of two special service pickup trucks, complete with outfitting for Cushing Police Department. Police Chief Tully Folden said the versatility of having pickups will be a great benefit to the department. Total cost of vehicles and outfitting: $48,436.22
The approval of the purchase of computers and software for the Cushing Fire Department. Fire Chief Chris Pixler explained the computers are used for ambulance calls and will be replacing current computers that are about seven years old. Cost: $9,448.98
The approval of the purchase of bunker gear (5 sets) for the Cushing Fire Department. Pixler said several sets are replaced annually to allow for rotation of stock and for new firefighters. Gear being replaced is over 7 years old. Pixler also added by using last year’s bids, the department is able to save 4 percent. Cost: $8,760.00
In Cushing Municipal Authority business, the Board approved the purchase and outfitting of a 3/4 ton pickup for the Electric Department. The truck will replace a 1997 model. Cost of truck and equipment to make it “work ready”: $37,497.78
The Board also approved to replace the wastewater treatment plant SCADA system hardware and software. City Manager Steve Spears explained the new system was necessary after its age made getting replacement parts nearly impossible to obtain. The new system will include an automation system for the plant and allow upgrades and issues to resolved remotely via the internet. Cost: $24,289.00
Spears also pointed out the new system is less expensive than having to employ a 24 hour staff. He went on to say the SCADA systems were replaced at the water plant and the electric plant in 2013.
In the City Manager report, Spears talked about various meetings and training he has attended over the past month and gave an update on the new splash pad saying it opened on July 4, 2014.
Commissioners Terry Brannon and Don Amon expressed their appreciation for the new splash pad. “I’ve been taking photos of kids enjoying the splash pad,” Amon said. “The smiles on their faces say it all.”
Brannon echoed the sentiment saying there has been a “positive public response.” He also took a moment to thank the Cushing Fire Department for the July 4th fireworks show.
In comments from the commissioners, Amon mentioned he has been approached by citizens interested in the possibility of the City putting in a dog park, while Brannon said he’s had a concern raised regarding dilapidated downtown buildings. “Would we allow that on Main Street?” Brannon asked. “It’s not fair to our downtown businesses…at some point we are going to have to make a decision [as to what to do].”
Cushing Board of Commissioners hold monthly meetings the third Monday of each month and are open to the public.
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